am I a sports 'fan'?

I really like sports. In several I like most to participate, but to some degree I enjoy many others as well. I'd much rather play golf than watch it, but to ignore it completely when I cannot play is difficult. I really like badminton and volleyball, yet I don't keep up with others who do those things. I visit sports sites frequently and read about soccer/football, US football, Aussie Rules football, and some baseball. I haven't managed to understand cricket yet, much less follow it - but I think about it now and then; maybe some day?

And yet - a fan? A sports fanatic? That's not me.

I enjoy the Trail Blazers as our local team and want them to do well; however basketball is just above badminton as a sport to watch. The Timbers are interesting yet I haven't seen one of their matches in decades, certainly not the MLS team (NASL? Yes!). College sports generally and football/basketball in particular do nothing for me; I may listen to a bowl/playoff game if a local team is playing, but probably not.

But now and then I should talk about sports when they merit it. Today is one of those days!

This past week has been almost unprecedented in Damien Lillard's excellent career. It coincided with the shock of Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash that took all aboard to a better place - and after postponing a game to compose themselves the Lakers played the Trail Blazers. This season Portland has been uneven with a mess of injuries but had added several good pieces, which (to the surprise of many) included Carmelo Anthony.

ESPN - the first Lakers game after Kobe's death:  In his past five games, Lillard is averaging 48.4 points, 9.8 assists and 8.2 rebounds.

ESPN - eleven things I like #7: Lillard is a bad, bad man. I would have included his stats from Portland's past six games, but my laptop caught fire when I looked them up.
Lillard has some Kobe in him, doesn't he?

OK that's all I have for now in the 'sports' column. Thanks for listening!